“No,” I responded to the wine buyer at Rocca’s Market in San Martin, “but I’ve heard good things.”

“It’s good stuff. Enjoy!”

The Justin 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles cost me $23.99. It’s usually a good sign when you get a set of Farmers’ Almanac-type notes from the wine maker on the label. It gives you a good sense of the respect that a winery has for the terroir. I was happy to learn that the Justin Cab is 100% free run juice.

Opened it Justin time for dinner.

Color: This wine is a dark beet red. Look…

Justin case you wanted to see it.

Nose: There is an immediate smell of lush dark plums. There are hints of smoke, leather, and blackberry. There is also this chalky mocha thing that I love. You know me by now. I’m a teacher. I love chalk!

Taste: Up front, there is a tart cran-raspberry cocktail flavor. The tannins are very soft, round, and pleasant. Probably because it is free run juice; it is very silky. It has a long, tart, mouth-watering finish. There is just a little bit of a buttery pie crust (or maybe crescent roll) component.

I’m a big fan of the Justin. This wine would pair well with a thick bloody steak. Give it a 91, and buy it.